John Alford

Known for

Acting

Born

October 30, 1971

Birthplace

Glasgow, Scotland, UK

Died

March 13, 2026 (aged 54)

Biography

The Glasgow-born actor was cast in Grange Hill after attending a London stage school from the age of nine where he studied alongside EastEnders' stars Patsy Palmer and Sid Owen. After appearing briefly in an ITV sitcom called Now and Then (1983), Alford landed the role in Grange Hill (1978) at the age of 11. But the young actor found fame too tough to handle and started drinking heavily. By the time he left the show at the age of 17 he had reportedly spent up to £80,000 on alcohol and gambling.

John, most famous for his role of young fireman Billy in the hit TV series, London's Burning (1988), became an overnight pop star with reggae version of the song "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" which went...